Page 27 of The Princess of Portals

Kato gave him a stony look. “Are you done fooling around, Conner? Because we have serious business to deal with. Savannah was just attacked.”

Conner’s smirk faded. He turned to me, his brows drawing together. “Are you all right?”

“Fine.”

His gaze dropped to my wounded hand. Just to be safe, I tucked both of my hands behind my back. Conner was ready for that. His hand flashed out, catching my wrist. He rolled up my sleeve, his lips curling back in anger when he saw the bruises.

“You don’t look fine.”

“It’s just a bruise.”

Conner peeled back my other sleeve, revealing more bruises.

“Huh. When did that happen?” I said to myself.

“That’s more than just one bruise,” Conner said. “You look like someone pounded your arms with a meat hammer.”

“I’m fine.”

“You and I have very different definitions of fine, Red.”

Kato looked at him and nodded. “For once, we are in total agreement. There’s another one, you know.”

Conner grunted. “Yeah, on her stomach. I can see it peeking out from her shirt. She’s trying to hide it.”

“I’m not trying to hide anything.” I planted both hands on my hips and gave Conner and Kato my best rendition of a hard stare. Neither one of them looked impressed.

“If you truly have nothing to hide, then sit down and show me every bump and bruise on your body so I can heal you.” Conner took my hand.

I let him lead me to the sofa. “Fine. I will.”

“Lie down.” He pointed at the sofa.

“Lie? You said sit.”

“That was before I realized you can’t even walk straight.”

“This is ridiculous,” I protested. “They’re just bruises.”

“Do as he says.”

I rolled my eyes at both of them, then plopped down on the sofa. “You’re both being incredibly melodramatic. I’m f⁠—”

“Don’t say you’re fine, Seven. Because you absolutely are not.”

“I am!”

“Only someone who’s not fine would so stubbornly—and repeatedly—insist that they’re fine.” Conner set his hand on my forehead.

“I didn’t call you two here to baby me. I need your help finding and defeating the Templar. And we’re wasting time!”

“Let Conner heal you,” Kato said. “Then we can talk about whatever reckless danger you want to throw yourself into next.”

I blew a frustrated puff of air out of my mouth. Conner’s hands started to glow, and a soothing warmth flowed into my body. My bruises faded. My cuts and scratches knitted together before my eyes.

“Who sent the Templar after her?” Conner asked Kato.

“I’m right here, you know. You could ask me.”